Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Council Offices will be closed 12/24 to 1/5.


The Council offices will be closed from December 24, and will re-open January 5.  The shop will re-open January 6, you can still visit our online shop, www.girlscouts.org/shop during our office closures.  

We look forward to starting 2015 with you.


If you have a Girl Scout emergency, you can contact GSCCC Answering Service: 800-340-7179.

Friday, December 12, 2014

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST CAMPING EXPERIENCE?


Take your girls on a new adventure, make s'mores, cook outdoors, take a hike, observe the night sky, and even give archery a try! Contact staff to inquire about reservations for Cabin, Tent or Yurt camping at CampArnaz@girlscoutsccc.org
DIY KITS AND ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT CAMP ARNAZ
Looking for something fun to do with your troop while visiting Camp Arnaz?  We have several DIY kits available for check-out, including Brownie Senses, Junior Detective, Leather Stamping, SWAPs, and many more!  When you visit the webpage for the Arnaz Program Center, you can learn all about the kits and even reserve them online ahead of time!  
Visit www.girlscoutsccc.org/Arnaz for more information.

Leadership Awards - Bronze, Silver and Gold

During the recent Leaderamas, we realized there is some confusion about the pre-requisites and approval process for obtaining the Higher Awards (Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.) 

The council follows GSUSA standards for these awards so we all need to be handling them in the same manner. Some quick clarification is:



  • Bronze Awards (Juniors) require Troop Take Action projects. 
  • Silver Awards (Cadettes) require Individual or Small Group Take Action projects.
  • Gold Awards (Seniors/Ambassadors) require Individual Take Action projects. 
  • Bronze and Silver Awards do not require SU approval. They are to be approved by the Troop Leader based on the GSUSA guidelines.
  • Gold Awards are approved by the Council Gold Award committee.
Please share the "At-A-Glance" and a link to our Awards and Service page with your Leaders so they may effectively advise their Girl Scouts. Contact Pattie Mullins VP of Program and Volunteer Services or Marcy Reed, Volunteer Gold Award Committee Chair, if you have questions about any of the Highest Awards or want to set up a short presentation/training on the Highest Awards at an upcoming Service Unit meeting. 

You may send all of your higher awards questions to: mygoldaward@girlscoutsccc.orgThanks for all you do to further the Girl Scout mission.



For more details, you can read the Highest Awards "At-A-Glance" document prepared by GSUSA that provides an overview of the requirements and procedures. This document and a link to a Highest Awards FAQ are available on the GSCCC website's Awards and Service page.
All Service Units should follow this procedure.

GIRLSCOUTSCCC.ORG

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

eBiz Maintenance - 12/13

On Saturday, December 13, 2014, eBiz will be offline for maintenance.  This means that you will not be able to register for membership or events on this day.

We apologize for any inconvenience, please plan accordingly.   

If you have any questions, please contact mramirez@girlscoutsccc.org.

Friday, December 5, 2014

New Adult Award Guide Posted - Submissions Due 2/20/15

VolunteerServices
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
It's that time of year to think about all the amazing things our volunteer friends and colleagues in Girl Scouts do every day to make the world a better place. Review the Adult Awards Guide for all the information. Applications for National Awards (Volunteer of Excellence, Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, and Thanks Badge) are due to council no later than February 20, 2015. Questions? Contact 
volunteer@girlscoutsccc.org

Thursday, December 4, 2014

GIRL SCOUTS DESTINATIONS - Second Round Applications

 Girl Scouts destinations is a nationwide Girl Scout program that provides girls 11-17 with an opportunity to apply for a specific Girl Scout destinations trip and meet other girls from across the street, across the country, or even across the ocean. Girl Scout destinations offer girls leadership and cross-cultural opportunities through regional, national and international travel. To apply, visit the destinations section of our  Travel page.

NOTE:  Late second-round applications are due to council no later than 1/10/15.  #TroopTravelThursday

Monday, December 1, 2014

MEMBERSHIP RESOURCES FOR LEADERS

Ready, Set, Go... Daisy ChainBrownie Circle, and NEWLY launched, Junior Knot. These are Step-by-Step Guides with detailed instructions to help with the first four meetings. Contact your Membership Manager staff for your packet. 

https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/get-involved/New-Leader-Toolkit/Pages/default.aspx

NEW LEADER TOOLKIT - CHECK IT OUT

Available this month, a virtual toolkit with the basics for the new leader all in one place on the GSCCC website


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Holiday Office Closure Dates

We don't know about you, but we have been having so much fun connecting with Volunteers, welcoming new Girls, celebrating Mission Moments - the year has just been flying by
During the upcoming holidays we have a few days where council offices will be closed. Please take a look and plan accordingly. If you still need to get some Holiday Shopping done, there is still time to get your order into our council shops. Also, the GSUSA online shop will be open at www.girlscouts.org/shop during our office closures.
If you have a Girl Scout emergency, you can contact GSCCC Answering Service: 800-340-7179.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Council closed Nov 10 & 11 for Veteran's Day

GSCCC offices and shops will be closed Monday and Tuesday November 10 and 11 in observance of Veteran's Day.

See the following links for council information.  If you require urgent assistance during the closure, please phone the after-hours answering service and a staff member will return your call as soon as possible.

GSCCC Answering Service:  800-340-7179

www.girlscoutsccc.org/forms
www.girlscoutsccc.org/events
www.girlscoutsccc.org/travel - November 14 deadline for destinations applications!
www.girlscoutsccc.org/shop

Friday, October 24, 2014

Exciting Travel Opps for 2015 - App Deadline Nov 14


Girl Scout destinations is a nationwide Girl Scout program that provides girls 11-17 with an opportunity to apply for a specific Girl Scout destinations trip and meet other girls from across the street, across the country, or across the ocean! Girl Scout destinations offers girls leadership and cross-cultural opportunities through regional, national and international travel. Application packets are due to the Ventura Office no later than Friday, November 14, 2014. 
 
 
Complete applications must be received in the Ventura office by November 14:
GSCCC
Attn: Destinations
1500 Palma Drive, Suite 110
Ventura, CA 93003

Monday, October 20, 2014

Girls Change the World, how will Girl Scouts continue to support the Mission?

The Girl Scout Mission: Building girls of Courage, Confidence, and Character, who make the world a better place.

For more than 100 years, the Girl Scouts have been largely known for three core attributes: camping, crafts and cookies. To stay relevant, Girl Scouts need to also embrace the more modern-day themes of technology and science, media and social issues in order to keep girls interested.

Read here the The NY Times story about the debate going on throughout the nation and discussed at our Girl Scout National convention.  #GSC14


Do you agree? Join the debate, let us know what you think.

#MissionMomentMonday

Monday, October 13, 2014

DISCOVER, CONNECT, AND TAKE ACTION: Fall Program Highlights!

Program
 
Bookmark the GSCCC calendar to stay up to date on all the new and exciting program opportunities!  Check out just a a few things happening this Fall!
  • GS Surf Day,  10/18 Monterey, 10/25 Santa Cruz
  • Artist Legacy Badge Workshop, 11/8 Avila Beach 11/15 Watsonville
  • Brownie Engineering Day, 10/18 San Luis Obispo
  • Super Science, 10/18 Salinas
  • Girl Scout Day at the Grammy Museum, 10/19 Los Angeles
  • P.A.C.T., 10/25 Salinas, 11/8 Watsonville
  • Brownie Bugs Badge Workshop at Camp Arnaz, 10/25 Ventura
  • Elkhorn Slough Nature Walk, 11/1 Watsonville
  • Brownie My Best Self Workshop, 11/1 San Luis Obispo
  • My Best Self Workshop 11/1 San Luis Obispo
  • Morro Bay Nature Walk, 11/15 Morro Bay
  • Stargazing at Camp Arnaz, 11/22  Ventura
  • Tidepool Trek, 12/6 Carpinteria State Beach
  • Stargazing at Camp Arnaz, 12/20 Ventura
 Register via the GSCCC Events Calendar.  Questions programs@girlscoutsccc.org 

Monday, October 6, 2014

Leaderama in Conejo was a great success! Register for an event near you!












This MUST SEE event is set to ENERGIZE, INSPIRE, and ASSIST Girl Scout Leaders who are entering a new Grade Level and for all Volunteers who wish to develop and expand their volunteer toolkit. 

Whether new or experienced at leading and volunteering, everyone will learn skills that will help make troop activities even more fun and successful.  

This year's LEADERAMA 2014 is a top priority for your staff at GSCCC and we have conspired to bring Leaders a training that is sure to build COURAGECONFIDENCEand CHARACTERto lead our girls into 2015! 

Thursday, October 2, 2014

What's New! Happy Girl Scout New Year.


Read the full newsletter here.
CONGRATULATIONS! GSCCC HAD A GREAT 2014 MEMBERSHIP YEAR.  With your continued support, we served approximately 10,700 girls and 5,500 adults. Now, let's take a new journey into 2015.   Don't wait, re-register today!

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Girl Scout Offices will be closed 9/29 for All-Staff Meeting

Gearing up for the start of a new year!  

Due to the Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast Council’s All Staff Meeting scheduled Monday, September 29, the headquarters office, field offices and the Shops will be closed.  All staff will be inaccessible during this time. 

If you have an emergency (accident, injury, crisis or incident), then please call the emergency number at 1-800-340-7179

Monday, September 22, 2014

Council Shops Closed For Physical Inventory

Council Shops Closed For Physical Inventory: 
Both council shops will be closed Thursday, September 25 through Tuesday, September 30.

Shops will re-open on Wednesday, October 1. 

Our on-line shop will be open and available for all of your girl, troop and volunteer needs.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

Coastal Cleanup 2014 was a great success!


A hardworking 1,301 volunteers had picked up 6,487 pounds of trash "with 75 percent of the cleanup sites reporting Saturday afternoon," said Eben Schwartz, outreach manager for the Coastal Commission. For the state overall, 54,124 volunteers picked up 576,571 pounds of trash and an additional 109,494 pounds of recyclable materials, with 75 percent of sites reporting.

Check out our girls making a difference: Coastal Cleanup Photos

To submit information about your troop's participation and find out how to obtain a council patch, click here.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Karen Skole: Support Girl Scouts, we need Volunteers!

For many, a sit-upon, a round of "Make New Friends" or fly-up wings may not carry any meaning, but to thousands of girls who are now adults throughout the Central Coast, these prompts bring back warm, fun memories more valuable than silver and gold, as the song goes.

Girl Scouts is making the world a better place while making a lasting impression in the lives of both its volunteers and girl members. Demonstrating this, recent Girl Scout research shows that 94 percent of Girl Scout volunteers and 97 percent of girl members believe Girl Scouts provides them with new, fun and exciting experiences.

Read the full Monterey Herald article here.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Correction to Leadearma Event - in SLO - October 11



Our apologies, there is a correction to the newsletter sent on 9/1.
Leaderama event in SLO is scheduled for October, 11.

LEADERAMA Fall 2014
This MUST SEE event is set to ENERGIZE, INSPIRE, and ASSIST Girl Scout Volunteers from the new leader or volunteer, to the expert volunteer looking for something new in an afternoon of networking, skill workshops, and special surprises!  Highlights include:  New Grade Level Trainings to keep girls engaged as they grow, variety of workshops from Skill Building to SWAPS, Return of the Little Green Girl Scout Training Card, and a really nice lunch!    
  • South West - October 4, California Lutheran University
  • South East - November 15, Arnaz Program Center
  • South Central - November 8, UC Santa Barbara
  • Central - October 11, SLO Ludwick Center

Friday, August 29, 2014

2014 National Council Session Proposals - Let your voice be heard!

The National Council is charged with giving broad direction to the future of the Girl Scout Movement.As required by the Girl Scouts of the USA Constitution in the Blue Book of Basic Documents, the National Council convenes every three yearsand is the major link between Girl Scout councils and the national organization. As members of the GSUSA corporation, while at the National Council Session, delegates will act on proposals submitted by the National Board and Girl Scout councils, as well as any amendments to the Constitution of GSUSA. Council Delegates were selected by local service units and represent each of our members at the National Convention. It is important that we hear from YOU.  Please Click here to review and vote on the following three proposals. In addition, we are asking for your feedback on our ongoing Outdoor Program discussion.  We know the importance of the Girl Scout Outdoor experience and would like to hear from you.

Girl Scouts Kick-off a New Year with September 6, Event

NEW GS YEAR KICK-OFF 
AT A GS OFFICE NEAR YOU!

 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM


COME TO VENTURA, SANTA MARIA or CASTROVILLE OFFICES for:
  • Fun activities for girls
  • Light refreshments
  • Hands-on look at Do-It-Yourself Program Kits
  • Purchase GS supplies for the upcoming year (only in Ventura & Castroville); get to spin price wheel with minimum $20 purchase
  • Sign-up for the new Girl Scout year
  • Hands-on assistance with online registration to help you qualify for the ONLINE ON-TIME Reward (see below)

Council acknowledges leadership with promotions and synergistic realignment.

Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast has announced the promotions of Controller, Lori Riis-Vestergaard to Chief Financial Officer, and Desiree Stilwell from Director to Vice President of Sales as the organization’s retail operations, and product sales align under Finance.
"Both women have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in their respective areas to serve the council," said Gina M. Jaeger council Chief Executive Officer. "We are thrilled to be able to recognize their contributions.”

Read More: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/08/prweb12118545.htm

Thursday, August 14, 2014

A Girl Scout's Essay of her Travels to the Virgin Islands

Tall Ship Sailing in the Virgin Islands - June 2014

Bryce Kulzer


The Girl Scout destination that I attended was the Tall Ship Sailing in the Virgin Islands. This was a great trip, perfect for any beginners or experts in sailing. We started off in St. Thomas, and would sail for three hours a day to somewhere new. While sailing, we would take turns steering the boat, keeping lookout, and work together to raise and lower the sails.
            This trip gave me many great memories, friends, and sailing experience. There was a perfect amount of time for learning how to sail, and to bond with the other girls on the trip. I came into this destination with a very small amount of sailing experience, but by the end of the week, I knew everything about sailing. In the beginning of the week, they separate you into three groups, each group tends a different part of the boat each day, and then switch off throughout the week, this way you know how to handle every part of the boat. The way the owners of the boat taught was very effective, and they made it a very fun. After we sailed each morning, we would drop the anchor and spend the rest of the afternoon doing activities of choice. You could snorkel, kayak, stand up paddle board, jump from the deck, or even just swim around the boat.
            On this trip, you can look forward to seeing beautiful and unique sea life when you snorkel, learning about the stars and having a spectacular view of them, and you will get to meet so many new friends. On this trip there is also a lot of freedom, once your morning of sailing is done, you are free to do whatever you want, there was one time when my friends and I jumped off every place possible that we could find on the boat.

            If you go on this destination, just remember to bring lots of sunscreen (bring the lotion kind, because the spray kind isn’t allowed), bring at least two or three swimsuits, drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated in the humid heat, don’t pack too much because they need room for everyone’s bag, and be sure to snorkel at least once on the trip, because the sea life there is amazing.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Thank you to our Sponsors and Supporters & Congratulations to Team Caliente taking 1st Place

Team Caliente


Congratulations to our Board Chair, Tammie Helmuth and her dance partner, for taking First Place in the Salsa Festival's Dancing with your Community Star Fundraiser.

Proceeds totaling over $6,600 will serve girls in our community with programs to further our mission to build girls of Courage, Confidence, and, Character, who make the world a better place.

To Donate you can go to: https://gstc.ejoinme.org/TeamCaliente


Thursday, July 24, 2014

Pizza with a Purpose - Join us in Support for Girl Scouts at CPK Fundraiser.

Tomorrow all day - at Ventura, CA CPK, 20% of proceeds of your purchase will be donated to Girl Scouts to serve girls in our community.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Dine-in Fundraiser - Join Girl Scouts in Ventura County at Yolanda's Mexican Cafe

  • Yolanda's Mexican Cafe
    Tomorrow, July 16, At all 4 locations (Simi Valley, Camarillo, Ventura and Oxnard). GSCCC will receive 20% of sales generated through voucher sales (you must present flyer). Click Here for Flyer!  

Thursday, July 3, 2014

GSCCC offices and shops closed in observance of Independence Day

The GSCCC council offices and shops will close at 3:00 p.m. today and remain closed in observance of Independence Day, Friday, July 4, 2014.

We hope you enjoy your weekend.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

I CAN'T WAIT TO...DISCOVER GIRL SCOUTS" JULY RECRUITMENT BLITZ


Bring-A-Friend to a Discover Girl Scouts events during July.  

If your friend joins Girl Scouts, YOU EARN A PATCH.  Designed to introduce a non-Girl Scout to the wonderful world of Girl Scouting, it's a great place for current Girl Scouts to share the fun.    
  
7/01 - Simi Valley Library, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
7/09 - *Santa Barbara Boys & Girl's Club, 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
7/12 - *Oxnard Car Show, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
7/18-  *Santa Maria Evans Park Housing Authority, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

7/19 - *Santa Cruz Flea Market, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
7/20 - *Watsonville Farmer's Market, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
7/21 - *Santa Cruz Boys & Girl's Club, 10:00 a.m. - Noon 
7/23 - *Salinas Boys & Girl's Club  1:00 - 4:00 p.m. 
7/26 - *Templeton Farmer's Market, 9:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
7/26 - 7/27 - *Oxnard Salsa Festival
8/1   - Cambria Farmer's Market, 2:30- 5:30 p.m.    

*Girl Scouts on The Go! trailer will be touring the Council at many of these events.  Come check it out!

Friday, June 20, 2014

More Ways to Support GSCCC and Team Caliente During Salsa Festival Fundraiser

Pizza Man Dan's

July 11, Dine-out. GSCCC will receive 20% of sales generated through voucher sales (you must present flyer or tell the phone operator, cashier and/or driver you are with Girl Scouts.) 

Click Here for Flyer!


Jamberry Nails

Helping Girl Scouts raise funds by donating 20% of purchases between now and July 27th to GSCCC.


Select "Girl Scouts - Spice It Up" during your online checkout at  Jamberry Girl Scout SalsaFundraiser- Thank you, Jamberry!     

Pampered Chef:


Thanks to consultant Sue Scofield, with Pampered Chef, Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast will bereceiving 15% of all sales on ordered placed through this link ... 

So get your cookin' on!!!!

Friday, June 13, 2014

NEW GSCCC Shop Return/Exchange Policy


Please note, GSCCC's Return Policy on purchases will be changing.

Effective July 1, 2014

  • Returns must occur within 60 days of purchase, with receipt
  • No returns or exchanges without a receipt
  • Returns over $100.00 will be subject to a 10% restocking fee



Shop Hours:

    T-F : 10:00 AM—4:00 PM


Selected Saturdays: 10-2PM

  • September 6         
  • October 4              
  • November 1          
  • December 6          
Online Shop at :



Phone: 800-822-2427

Friday, June 6, 2014

Salsa Festival - Dancing with the Stars Fundraiser

What does Girl Scouts and Salsa have in common?  
In this salsa-twist on the hit TV show, local "stars" are paired up with the region's best salsa instructors to dance for charity! They have nine weeks of rehearsals to prepare for the showdown at the Oxnard Salsa Festival on July 26-27.

In addition to competing in front of a panel of judges at the Festival, the stars and their partners are dancing for local charities.  YOU can "Vote" by making donations in support of our Dancing Champion and Girl Scouts.

CLICK TO VOTE! Each $1 (donation) = 1 Vote
GSCCC will participate, with Tammie Helmuth - Board Chair, as our Dancing Champion.  More information to follow; we will keep you posted on her progress and hope you will join us in supporting Tammie to reach the goal of raising $15,000 to benefit girls in our council.

With every dollar you donate to Team Tammie, 100% of your donation proceeds will support programs and serve over 15,000 members in the council.  Your donations help GSCCC provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to all girls, supporting the Mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

June Leader eBulletin

MEMBERSHIP

- GET a colorful SPRING RE-REGISTRATION PATCH for each girl you renew!
  • The 2015 Spring Re-registration runs through June 30, 2014
  • GSUSA Membership Fee is $15 for the 2015 year
  • Patches will be distributed to the Service Units before the new 
    Girl Scout year begins on 10/1/14
Need Help registering? Contact Us button in eBiz, or contact the local Service Unit team or Membership Manager for assistance.

ONLINE ON-TIME: EARN $25 GS SHOP TROOP CERTIFICATE FOR REGISTERED TROOPS WITH 6+ GIRLS & 3+ ADULTS 
Any troop registered online by September 30, 2014 receives these benefits:
  • Easy use of Troop Management to re-register current members
  • No lapse in membership or insurance coverage
  • Eligibility to participate in Honor Troop
  • NEW! All Troops with MINIMUM of six girl and three adult members that register Online On-time will receive a $25 GS Shop Gift Certificate, for troop purchases.  The Gift Certificate will be delivered after 10/1/2014 through the Service Unit.


"I CAN'T WAIT TO...DISCOVER GIRL SCOUTS" JULY RECRUITMENT BLITZ
Bring-A-Friend to a Discover Girl Scouts event during the month of July.  If your friend joins Girl Scouts, YOU EARN A PATCH.  Watch for more details to arrive on GSCCC Facebook page and in your email.  Designed to introduce a non-Girl Scout to the wonderful world of Girl Scouting, it's a great place for current Girl Scouts to share the fun. Questions? Contact Danadbolotin@girlscoutsccc.org


PROGRAM AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES
SUMMER HOURS: Your Program and Volunteer Services Department is on duty all summer long!  If you have questions about program events or Volunteer trainings please contact us at your convenience at programs@girlscoutsccc.org


SUMMER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS!  Bookmark the GSCCC calendar to stay up to date on all the new and exciting program opportunities!  Check out just a few things happening Summer 2014:
  • Marine Discovery Center, June 7, Northern Region
  • Archery Series from Santa Cruz to Arnaz
  • Girl Scout Surf Day Series from Santa Cruz to Ventura
  • Discover Channel Islands, June 23, Southern Region
  • Understanding Planet Earth, July 15, Southern Region
  • Zoo Snooze, Save the date: August 2, Central Region
Register and view updated council program offerings at GSCCC Events Calendar 
Questions? Contact: programs@girlscoutsccc.org


SUMMER ACTIVITIES


Summer fun with your Girl Scout troop wouldn't be the same without a cool summer patch to go along with it! 

  •  EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES! 


Attend a Girl Scout event and send an email about your experience, pictures, too, if you have completed the media release, and you will receive 'I EXPLORED THE POSSIBILITIES' patch!  Be sure to include a description of the event, your name, troop number and your mailing address! 

  • BEACH AND COASTAL CLEAN UP
Help your local beaches stay litter free this summer with a service project to clean up a beach area or coastal park.  Be sure to wear gloves!  You might collect some valuable recyclables your troop can cash in, too!  The first 60 responses from Troops will receive a free Coastal Clean Up patch!

  • DIVE IN TO SUMMER FUN
Plan a POOL PARTY for your troop!  Remember you must have a certified life guard(s) on site if you're at a private home, but don't let that stop you - contact your local community pool and hold it there!  The first 100 responses from Troops will receive a free Pool Party Patch!